BOD elections

[vma001]

What is the proper procedure to elect members to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting of the membership? The members run unopposed. Unfortunately our bylaws do state voting to be conducted by ballot. However, in electing (4) board member each year, with approximately 40 members in attendance, handing out 40 ballots, four separate times, when individuals are unopposed, seems to be an unnecessary exercise. Further, if we will change our bylaws to read "by acclamation" or other phrase, would that solve the problem?

[Gary Novosielski]

If your bylaws state that elections are by ballot, then there is no other way.   This is not necessarily a futile exercise, as members are free to write in any name they choose, even if only one person is nominated.

 

But you can change your bylaws to say that elections are required to be by ballot, except when the office in question is uncontested.  For multiple-seat elections such as board directors, this would apply in cases where the number of candidates was no greater than the number of open seats.  

 

But this should be considered carefully.  If three people run for three seats, they would be elected by acclamation, but if voted by ballot, an unpopular candidate might receive less than a majority, and not be elected.  Making it easier to get elected is not always a pure Good.

[Edgar Guest]

However, in electing (4) board member each year, with approximately 40 members in attendance, handing out 40 ballots, four separate times . . . 

 

A single ballot with space for four names is sufficient.

[Richard Brown]

A single ballot with space for four names is sufficient.

I agree with Mr. Guest.  Why are four separate ballots being distributed?  If there are four candidates for four vacancies, it seems one ballot with all four names on the ballot would do just fine.  (Or one ballot with four lines....whatever).

 

Edited to add:  One ballot can be used even if the four seats are considered four distinct seats, such as Seat A, Seat B, Seat C and Seat D.  Just put those four titles (seats) on the ballot with one line beneath each office (seat).